State of Origin: Slater names Game I squad as Maroons eye three-peat

2 years ago - Sportingbase

Billy Slater has named his 20-man Maroons squad for Game I of the 2024 State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on June 5th.

J’maine Hopgood is set to make his Origin debut off the interchange for Queensland whilst Cowboys standout Tom Dearden has been named Cameron Munster’s replacement in the No.6 jersey.

Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates, and Murray Taulagi make up a damaging back three with Valentine Holmes – who currently sits third on Queensland’s all-time try-scoring list – and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow the centres.

Dearden partners skipper Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves with Slater again opting to run the dangerous Ben Hunt-Harry Grant hooking duo.

Reuben Cotter, Lindsay Collins, and Patrick Carrigan headline the pack with Jeremiah Nanai partnering Jaydn Su’A – who earns a recall for the first time since Game I, 2021 – in the second row.

Moeaki Fotuaika and Selwyn Cobbo join Grant and Hopgood on the interchange with Felise Kaufusi, Brendan Piakura, and Ezra Mam named among the reserves.

QUEENSLAND GAME I SQUAD

1. Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm)
3. Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (The Dolphins)
5. Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)
6. Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys)
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (C) (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
8. Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
9. Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)
10. Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
11. Jaydn Su’A (St George Illawarra Dragons)
12. Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys)
13. Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)
14. Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
15. Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans)
16. J’maine Hopgood (Parramatta Eels)
17. Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos)
18. Felise Kaufusi (The Dolphins)
19. Brendan Piakura (Brisbane Broncos)
20. Ezra Mam (Brisbane Broncos)